LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky swimming and diving program had a convincing win over Cincinnati on both the women’s and men’s side, celebrating their seniors in fitting fashion on Friday night. The women outscored the Bearcats 204-92, while the men won 186-110.
The meet started out by celebrating the program’s seniors: JT Broome, Fernanda De Goeij, Ally Frame, Grace Frericks, Maddy Hartley, Logan Ingerick, Ryan Merani, John Rom, and Levi Sandidge. The crowd got loud as they competed in their last career dual meet as Wildcats at the Lancaster Aquatic Center.
There were tons of impressive performances and a handful of new records and top-10 times. Junior Devin Naoroz had an impressive showing in the 100 back, tying the program record in 45.91 that was set by freshman Lysander Osman earlier this season. Tonight, Osman swam the seventh fastest 50 free time in 19.56 and fellow freshman Javier Lopez Guillen in 1:43.27.
On the boards, freshman Zalika Methula made a new zone cut in the 1M and 3M dive, as did the men who participated in the platform dive exhibition – Rock Sweet, Landon Isler, and Gabriel Perdigao. Avery Giese picked up the event win in the 1M dive, as did Devynn Bishop in the 3M dive.
Speaking of event winners, there were plenty of those tonight against the Bearcats. Lauren West saw impressive performances in the 50 free and 100 free races, going first and second. Merani (1:36.69) won the 200 free in impressive fashion, as did McGlothen (1:48.14). The Cats swept the 1000 free with strong swims from Libby Grether (9:51.22) and Carson Hick (8:49.46). Senior Frericks showed out in the 100 and 200 back, winning both events as well. Cayden Pitzer performed well in the 100 breast (54.01) as did Sarah Anne Shaffer in the 200 breast (2:11.17). Caue Gluck won the 500 free in 4:23.81, among many of the notable strong swims on Friday for Kentucky.
With the win, the Wildcats now focus on the SEC Championships, which will be in Knoxville, Tenn. from Feb. 16-21.
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